Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. It is normal to have bacteria in your vagina and usually they help you to stay healthy. BV happens when the balance of bacteria in your vagina changes for some reason. 

About 1 in 10 women or people with female genitals will get BV at some point in their lives. You are bound to know someone who has had it. It’s not serious and it’s easy to treat with antibiotics. You might be embarrassed to talk to us about BV, but you have nothing to feel bad about. We just want to help you feel better.

Only half of people with BV will have symptoms. The main sign is unusual vaginal discharge. It may be thin and watery, and white or grey. It can also have an odd, fishy smell that might seem stronger after sex. BV is not normally sore or itchy. 

We know these symptoms can feel upsetting or tough to talk about. But please ask for help so you can start your treatment as soon as possible. 

BV can happen if you use perfumed soaps, bubble bath or shower gel around your vagina. It can also be caused by vaginal douches, deodorants or washes. These can all raise the pH level in your vagina and upset the normal balance of bacteria.

Having your period can also increase the pH level of your vagina and make BV more likely.

BV is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but it can sometimes be passed on when a woman has sex with another woman. 

Men cannot catch or spread BV. But having semen in your vagina can upset the balance of bacteria, making BV more likely. Some kinds of sex, like someone giving you oral sex, can also do this.

Having BV can increase your chances of getting an STI, such as chlamydia. 

Any woman can get BV, even those who have never had sex. It is more likely if you’re having sex, especially if you’ve just started having sex with someone new. 

Black women have a higher risk of getting BV.

Other factors that increase your chance of getting BV include:  

A doctor or nurse might be able to diagnose you based on your symptoms alone. They may need to rule out an STI or other infection, though. They might look at your vagina, and swab your vaginal discharge to test it. This can be a little awkward, but it should not hurt. We will do all we can to put you at ease. 

If you have BV symptoms, or are worried you might have BV, contact your GP or find a sexual health clinic near you.

BV is treated with antibiotic tablets, gels or creams. You can sometimes buy gel or cream treatment over the counter from a pharmacy, but you will probably need a prescription. If you’re a woman in a same-sex relationship, your partner may also need treatment.

Sometimes, BV will go away on its own, but there can be health complications if you do not get treated. It can lead to PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) or increase your risk of infection after some surgeries.

If you are pregnant BV can increase your risk of premature birth and miscarriage. Although this risk is low, it’s still really important to get help for BV if you’re pregnant.